Crockpot Little Smokies

Introduction

Crockpot Little Smokies are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines simplicity with bold flavor, making them perfect for any occasion. Picture tender little cocktail sausages slowly simmering in a rich, flavorful sauce, absorbing all the smoky goodness as they cook. The best part? You can set them in your Crockpot and let them work their magic while you focus on the rest of the party. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering, cheering on your team during game day, or celebrating the holidays, these Little Smokies are the perfect treat to serve up with minimal effort.

The first time I made Crockpot Little Smokies, I was amazed at how easy and satisfying they were to prepare. I simply combined the sausages with my favorite sauce, turned the Crockpot on, and let it do the work. The savory aroma filled my kitchen as the sausages simmered, and by the time they were done, they were tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. I couldn’t wait to serve them to my guests, and they quickly disappeared, leaving everyone craving more.

What I love most about Crockpot Little Smokies is how versatile they are. You can switch up the sauce for different flavor profiles—sweet, tangy, or spicy—depending on your mood. They also work well as both an appetizer or a fun snack, making them ideal for any event. Whether you’re serving them at a casual barbecue or a festive holiday gathering, these little sausages will always be a hit and leave everyone coming back for seconds.

Perfect for:

• Game day snacks
• Holiday parties
• Casual gatherings
• Potluck dishes
• Quick appetizers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Crockpot Little Smokies will become your go-to appetizer:

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these smoky sausages cook effortlessly in the Crockpot, allowing you to focus on other parts of your event or meal.
• Flavorful and Savory: The combination of sweet and tangy sauce with the smokiness of the sausages creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s irresistible.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Little Smokies are universally loved by both kids and adults, making them a hit at any party or gathering.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare these in advance, which is especially convenient when you have a busy schedule. Just toss everything in the Crockpot and let it do the work!
• Customizable Sauces: Whether you prefer a sweet, spicy, or tangy sauce, this recipe is versatile and can easily be adjusted to fit your taste preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4-6 hours
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on low
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crockpot Little Smokies:

• 2 (14 oz) packages of Little Smokies cocktail sausages
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice of flavor)
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Ingredient Highlights

• Little Smokies: These bite-sized cocktail sausages are perfectly designed for appetizers, offering a smoky, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces.
• Barbecue Sauce: The foundation of the sauce, barbecue sauce adds a smoky, tangy base that complements the Little Smokies perfectly. You can choose sweet, spicy, or a combination of both.
• Honey: Honey brings a touch of sweetness that balances the tanginess of the barbecue sauce and adds depth to the flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard introduces a subtle tang and depth of flavor that makes the sauce more complex and well-rounded.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A key ingredient for enhancing the umami flavor of the dish, Worcestershire sauce adds richness to the overall sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crockpot Little Smokies:

Prepare the Sauce:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more honey for sweetness or more mustard for tang.

Cook the Little Smokies:

3. Add to Crockpot: Place the Little Smokies in the Crockpot and pour the prepared sauce over the sausages. Stir gently to ensure the sausages are evenly coated in the sauce.
4. Set to Low: Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally if desired. The sausages will soak up the sauce and become tender and flavorful.
5. Serve: Once the sausages are heated through and the sauce is thickened, stir again, then serve directly from the Crockpot.

How to Serve

Crockpot Little Smokies can be served in many fun and creative ways:

• On Skewers: Thread the Little Smokies onto small skewers for a fun and easy-to-eat presentation.
• As a Dip: Serve the sausages alongside toothpicks or cocktail forks, allowing guests to dip them directly into the sauce.
• With a Side of Bread: Pair with small rolls or sliced baguette for dipping into the sauce and enjoying alongside the sausages.
• As a Main Course: Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
• Garnished with Chopped Green Onions: Add a pop of color and extra flavor by garnishing with chopped green onions or cilantro.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Crockpot Little Smokies are perfect every time:

• Cook on Low: Cooking on low heat ensures that the sausages are tender and fully infused with the sauce, creating a rich flavor profile.
• Stir Occasionally: If you have time, stir the sausages a few times while cooking to help distribute the sauce evenly.
• Use High-Quality Sauces: The sauce is a key part of this dish, so opt for high-quality barbecue sauce, honey, and mustard for the best flavor.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you like a sweeter sauce, you can add more honey, or for a spicier version, use a spicy barbecue sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Keep Warm: After cooking, set the Crockpot to “keep warm” if you are serving at a party, so the sausages stay warm and tender throughout the event.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crockpot Little Smokies:

• Spicy Little Smokies: Use a spicy barbecue sauce or add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce to give it a spicy kick.
• Honey Mustard Little Smokies: Replace the barbecue sauce with a combination of honey mustard for a tangy and sweet variation.
• Maple Bacon Little Smokies: Add crumbled cooked bacon and maple syrup to the sauce for a sweet, smoky flavor.
• Asian-Inspired Little Smokies: Replace the barbecue sauce with teriyaki sauce, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and garnish with green onions.
• Jalapeño Little Smokies: Add sliced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy, zesty twist.
• Apple Cider Vinegar Little Smokies: Use apple cider vinegar in place of Worcestershire sauce for a tangier taste.
• Garlic Parmesan Little Smokies: Stir in garlic and grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce for a savory, garlicky flavor.
• Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies: Wrap the sausages in bacon before cooking for an extra crispy, smoky touch.
• BBQ Honey Bourbon Little Smokies: Add a splash of bourbon to the sauce for a deep, smoky flavor.
• Buffalo Little Smokies: Use buffalo sauce instead of barbecue sauce for a spicy, tangy variation perfect for fans of heat.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze Crockpot Little Smokies after cooking. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the Crockpot or on the stove, adding extra sauce if necessary.
• Storage: Store any leftover sausages in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the Crockpot or microwave.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crockpot Little Smokies easier:

• Crockpot: A slow cooker is essential for making this dish, allowing the sausages to cook slowly and soak up the sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients for the sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: A wooden spoon or tongs is helpful for stirring the sausages in the Crockpot.
• Toothpicks or Cocktail Forks: For serving the Little Smokies easily at a party or gathering.
• Serving Tray: A serving tray makes it easy to present the sausages for guests to enjoy.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use other types of sausages?
   Yes, you can substitute Little Smokies with other cocktail sausages or even larger sausages, though cooking times may vary.
2. Can I make these in advance?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the sausages and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just heat them up in the Crockpot when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I make this without honey?
   Yes, if you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can omit the honey and add extra barbecue sauce or use a savory sauce instead.
4. How can I make these spicier?
   Add hot sauce, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to the sauce to increase the heat level.
5. Can I serve these with a dip?
   Yes, you can serve the sausages with extra dipping sauce on the side, such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

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Conclusion

Crockpot Little Smokies are the ultimate appetizer that’s both simple and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a large party, these smoky, savory sausages in a flavorful sauce will quickly become a favorite. With easy preparation, make-ahead convenience, and endless flavor possibilities, it’s no wonder this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Just set it and forget it, and you’ll have a dish that everyone will rave about.

Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal, and watch them disappear in no time. These Crockpot Little Smokies are sure to become a staple at your future parties and gatherings!

I can’t wait to see your Crockpot Little Smokies in action! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you put your spin on this dish! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share how you made it your own. Happy cooking!